Disabled HIV gene clears Phase I trials

A genetically wangled AIDS virus to fight other AIDS viruses has posted better results than expected, researchers reported on Monday. The genetically developed disabled version of the AIDS virus inhibited HIV replication - the virus that causes AIDS.

Preliminary clinical trials revealed suppressed virus activity along with rejuvenation of immune system in some patients.

On estimate, 40 million people are infected by the AIDS virus, killing about two-third of them worldwide. Though a combination of drugs can help control infection, no direct cure or vaccine has been evolved till date.

Whereas the standing of antiretroviral drugs is under threat due to the growing problem of drug resistance, researchers claim that gene therapy might prove to be an effective alternative.

A study conducted by the researchers at Pennsylvania University reported promising results of the newly evolved HIV gene therapy.

The study involved five people with chronic HIV infection. The patients selected for the trial had failed to respond to at least two antiretroviral regimens of drugs.

Under the treatment, CD4 T-cells samples (white blood cells known as lymphocytes that play a central role in cell-mediated immunity) were removed from the patient’s blood.

These T cells were then tainted with the newly developed antisense RNA molecule. The modified and the disabled HIV gene were then pumped back into the patient’s body.

The modified version of the T cells carrying the antisense RNA molecule is known to jostle up the process and damaged the AIDS virus before its reproduction.

According to the clinical examinations, one patient reported a decrease in the amount of virus, while the immune cells and its strength increased in four patients during the nine-month study.

Strains of modified cells in the immune system were seen in patient’s even months after the therapy.

Jubilant over the results of phase I trial, lead researcher Dr. Carl June said, “The goal of this phase I trial was safety and feasibility, and the results established that. But the results also hint at something much more."

Researchers are still unclear if the newly evolved HIV gene therapy would be effective on chronic HIV patients only, or if it can be developed into a vaccine.

Although tested on just five people as of now, but the promising results of the phase I trial offers new hope both for the field of gene therapy and for treating the fatal and incurable AIDS virus.